SPORTS

AzerTAg.az

Baku City Circuit (BCC) today announced that the pioneers of future funk, Jamiroquai, will headline the opening night of the 2018 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, setting the scene for a weekend of unrivalled action and entertainment. In a change from previous race weekends, this year’s concerts will be staged at Baku’s famous Crystal Hall.

Formed in 1992 and led by jazz-infused soulman, Jay Kay, Jamiroquai have grown from humble beginnings out of the London-based funk/acid jazz movement in the 1990’s to become one of the world’s most successful groups with over 27 million album sales, Grammy Awards, Ivor Novello gongs, MTV Moonmen, thirteen Brit nominations, five sold-out world tours and more than 25 years of existence.

Since the release of their first album –Emergency on Planet Earth – the band has been on a path of continued growth and success, releasing subsequent million-selling albums that have explored other musical directions such as pop, rock, disco and electronica, spawning iconic tracks such as "Virtual Insanity" - which won four MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy – as well as classic tracks Space Cowboy, Deeper Underground and Feels Just Like It Should amongst many, many others. Furthermore, their 1996 album Travelling Without Moving entered the Guinness World Records as the best-selling funk album in history.

With famous fans including the likes of Chance the Rapper, Pharrell, Tyler the Creator, Jungle, Redman & The Internet as well as historic performances alongside Stevie Wonder & Diana Ross, Jamiroquai have consistently proved themselves as one of the globe’s most revered and unifying musical innovators of our time.

In 2017, Jamiroquai released their brand-new album, Automaton, their eighth studio album challenging man vs machine vs planet earth set against smooth sci-fi grooves, soulful electro-funk and a throwback techno vibe, showcasing a band operating at the peak of its powers and still selling out arenas across the globe.

All Formula 1 fans in the region are in line for a special night of high energy and funky sounds to kick off their Grand Prix weekend as Jamiroquai get set to deliver an unforgettable show at the fastest street race in the world.

Speaking right after Jamiroquai were confirmed as the opening musical act, BCC’s Executive Director, Arif Rahimov, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jamiroquai to Baku to open our live music entertainment programme on the Friday night of the 2018 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. There are few bands in world music who are as renowned for their distinctive sound and high-energy live performances. In Jay Kay they possess one of the most unique and talented frontmen in music history and someone who incidentally is massive car enthusiast! This really is the perfect fit for all parties and we couldn’t have asked for a better act to be the opening night headliner for our third successive F1 race weekend. Make sure you join us in Baku and get your tickets while you still can. It is going to be a special weekend!”

All ticket holders will have free access to the concerts. Transport will be provided to all fans for the short journey from Baku City Circuit to the Crystal Hall.

Fans with four-day tickets will additionally be able to enjoy an exclusive Pit Lane Walk on Thursday April 26th, while all ticket holders will get access to the drivers via daily Autograph Sessions and will also be entertained throughout the weekend via a series of entertainment activities located along the circuit’s vending zones situated along Baku’s stunning seaside boulevard.

For more information on how to purchase tickets and plan your stay in Baku for the 2018 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix please visit: www.bakucitycircuit.com